Red Light Safety Camera FAQ

Questions & Answers

Why has the Village of Morton Grove implemented a Red-Light Safety Camera Program?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2010, 30 people were killed in red-light running crashes in Illinois, making our state one of the top-five most deadly in the nation for red-light running fatalities. Nationally, 667 people were killed and more than 100,000 were injured.

Red-light running is a deadly epidemic. Red-light safety camera programs have proven to reduce the number of red-light running collisions and their associated injuries and fatalities. The purpose of this program is to increase traffic safety in the Village of Morton Grove by reducing red-light running violations, collisions and injuries without affecting county funds.

What is a red-light running violation?

A red-light running violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. A red-light running violation also occurs when a vehicle does not come to a full and complete stop for a right-turn-on-red. This violation, in both situations, is a non-moving infraction and does not result in the assessment of points against the driver.

Where are the Red-Light Safety Cameras located?

The intersection(s) with camera(s) are listed below. Each intersection is marked clearly with signs to alert drivers that cameras are in use ahead.
• Northbound Waukegan Rd at Dempster St

What will this program cost the Village and its taxpayers?

The road safety camera program is set up to be fully funded through fines paid by red-light runners. Taxpayers are not being asked to pay for this system. As driver behavior changes and crashes diminish in number, the Village and residents could see a reduction in emergency services and other community expenses. According to the Federal Highway Administration, by reducing crashes, red-light safety cameras annually save communities $39,000 to $50,000 in collision-related expenses per location.

Does the Morton Grove Police Department or ATS review and issue tickets?

Only police officers issue citations. Processors with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) perform several preparatory steps to save time for the Morton Grove police. ATS processors conduct an initial review of the images and forward potential violations to police for further review and a decision on whether a violation occurred. ATS processors also crop photo images, and prepare the plate and owner registration data for police use. The Morton Grove police review and approve each violation and is the sole authority for issuing citations.

How does the Red-Light Safety Camera work?

The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop bar AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture two images of an alleged violation, taken from the rear of the vehicle.

The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar and the illuminated red light.

The second image shows the violator in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated.
The license plate image is a close-up from one of the images captured.

Data, including the time, date, and duration of the yellow and red lights, also is recorded.

Cameras also record a 12-second digital video of the violation, including six seconds prior to and six seconds after running the red light.

What is the review process?

The Morton Grove Police Department reviews all possible violations. Using ATS’ violation processing application, officers watch the video of a vehicle running the red light and view the photos showing the light illuminated red both before and after the vehicle enters the intersection.

If an officer determines the vehicle ran the red light, the officer verifies that the license plate matches the vehicle and all information is correct before issuing the citation.

Why did I receive this Notice of Violation?

Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red-light violation. As the vehicle owner, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you.

How much is the fine?

The fine is $100 for each offense.
This violation is a non-moving violation and no points will be assessed.

How do I pay the fine?

There are multiple ways to pay your fine:
ONLINE: The fastest and easiest way to pay your Notice is to pay online. Go to www.ViolationInfo.com and logon with your Notice # and PIN shown in the red box on the front of this notice. Click the Pay button. There is a $4 convenience fee.

PAYMENT BY MAIL: Mail your check or money order (payable to the Village of Morton Grove) in the enclosed envelope with the coupon printed at the bottom of the reverse side of this notice. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Be sure to put the Notice # (see reverse) on the face of your payment. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at 1-866-790-4111. Please mail your payment at least 5 days prior to your due date.

PAYMENT IN PERSON: You may pay in person at the Morton Grove Village Hall located at 6101 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL, Monday & Thursday 8:30AM-6:00PM and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM.

When is my payment due?

The due date is listed on the front of the Notice. The payment coupon also will have the due date listed. In some instances Late Fees will be assessed if not paid by the due date. When mailing in a payment, allow 10 days in order to be received in a timely manner.

How do I know that these violations are valid?

Images of your vehicle were captured and recorded by a Road Safety Program. You can review your images and video of the actual occurrence online. The images and video were reviewed by several qualified technicians and finally by the Village of Morton Grove Police Department before the alleged civil violation was affirmed and mailed to you as the registered owner.

What company provides the Road Safety Program in the Village?

The Village of Morton Grove has contracted with American Traffic Solutions Inc. (ATS) which provides more than 600 communities across North American with red-light and speed safety camera programs. More information about ATS is available at www.atsol.com.